W BALI PART TWO ...

The WOW Experience continues at W Bali Retreat & Spa in Seminyak....

Time: 9:55pm

Place: W BALI, Seminyak


I still haven't left the hotel since I checked-in yesterday .
I have just been chilling out around the resort and soaking up the sun in my private pool villa.
Still, I managed to finish a book before sunset today.

Oh, before I forget totally - they gave me a "welcome treat" when I got into the villa.
Viola -

A SWEET SIMPLE WELCOME!

How did they even know that I love cupcakes?!
Good homework, W folks!
The cupcake sitting outside the box is actually a candle. Such a delicious scent too.
And the box itself  is made of glass.
Inside - sits two lovely blueberry muffin cupcakes. I was so grateful that the icing is not the hard royal icing, but soft and not sweet at all. Of course, I licked every bit of it! Love the M & Ms too!

Bamboo Bird Cage Cubicle

I had breakfast at the "Starfish Bloo" restaurant.
Apparently, those staying at the Villas have their breakfasts here. And the rest will be having their brekkie in the "Fire" Restaurant. I shall check out "Fire" tomorrow morning, because Villa residents do have a choice and can exercise that choice. Such priviledge, ain't it? Right....

Honestly, I was not too impressed with their selection at Starfish Bloo's Buffet Breakfast. It is extensive but not as creative as the W Koh Samui's breakfast spread. Still, a sign that times are changing is that they serve Korean, Japanese and Chinese selection in their breakfast buffet. Yes, there are many Chinese from the Mainland and Koreans staying here with their families and kids. 

As for me, I ordered my fave breakfast dish - Eggs Benedict. Kindly do take note, however, the Starfish Bloo does have a wonderful menu for lunch and dinner. So, you must try it during your stay here. Chef Jack Yoss does serious flirting with his version of Pan Asian cuisine. You can even see him at work in the open kitchen.

After breakfast, it was exploration time.

The Main Pool

The Beach Bale comes with a Kiss Pillow

The Pool area cascades into a few levels.

I must say the beach in Bali can't be compared to Maldives. But Bali has the unique culture that no other place has.

So, every city or country and island have their own specialty or beauty.




One of the main reasons why I love to travel since young - I get to see so much more and learn what lies beyond my own very small world. It is always interesting and wonderful. I am always enriched beyond words by each experience.

Thankfully, the weather was kind to us today. It was sunny and breezy. The perfect combo.

From the pool, you can proceed right onto the beach or to WooBar.

This is a very funky bar that has a basement seating. It turns into a club-like atmosphere in the basement at night. And it has to be said that Woobar has split personalities. Why I say that? In the daytime, it looks completely harmless. It even houses an extremely large ceiling fan. I think they should call the Guinness World of Records.

World's Biggest Fan in a bar?

BUT at night, Woobar turns into a "femme fatale" and she lights up in various colours. No, I shall not post any pics of it here because it will not do this bar any justice. Truth is, I forgot to pack my camera - yea, the real one. Hence, all the pics here are taken by my BB. So, you just have to come here and experience Woobar for yourself. Let me give you one more reason to come to Woobar - during HAPPY HOURS - you get the "Buy 1 and get free 1" drinks! 

The Giant Mirror

The Lobby Lounge

The Lobby area is as fun as entering the rabbit's hole and into Alice's Wonderland.

You have Giant Mirrors, rocking chairs and lounge chairs of all different shapes and sizes. But they all are in keeping with the same colour schemes.





What I love the most about the lobby?

Well, the whole main building is circular in shape. I guess, this allow all the rooms to have the unobstructed view of the beach/ocean. They have placed these wonderful day beds that faces the pool and ocean. You can chill out here, read a book, order a cocktail and watch the sunset. It is indeed a gorgeous view. Needless to say, this is what I love the most about the lobby...this and that lobby bar that glows in various colours.

The BAR "AGLOW"

You have to try the Vanilla Bellini here. It is quite refreshing indeed. Of course, the best Bellinis I ever had was at Harry Cirpriani's in New York City. But that is another story altogether. Hehe

From the Bar, you can go down the "Hall of Drapes". Well, I call it that because the breeze blows the curtains so beautifully along this hallway. And it will lead you down to the Stafish Bloo restaurant. This restaurant does serve good lunches and dinners. There, I said it again.

The "Hall of Drapes"

Did you notice the designs on the ceilings? And then, did you notice the two ladies - one dressed in yellow and one in red? They are a part of a trio. I think they must be sisters - all dressed in the same outfit but just in different colours. Ms. Blue was missing in this pic. But I think they are just too cute to miss. And they are all very pretty too.

Oh, you'll like chilling out on the day beds at the lobby lounge...so much to see. Various people of different nationalities and their sense of resort wear or cruise attire. Hehe..it's a lot of eye candy and comedy in one place. Ok, moving along...

On the other side of the "Hall of Drapes", you'll enter the "Hall of Retail Therapy". Yes, I call it that. Because this is where all the resort's shops are housed. 

Btw, the label "Farah Khan" has a gorgeous boutique here. You have to visit it, even if you don't buy anything, but just to see it. No, no pics here. You'll just have to come and see for yourself.

As you pass the retail shops, there are very these large windows that allow us to look down into the "Fire" restaurant. Don't you just love the dining table piece and that very interesting chandelier? It looks so pretty at night too.

The Fire Restaurant

I just love high ceilings, period.

Now, beyond the main lobby check-in area, you'll find the SWEAT and the AWAY spa nicely tucked into their respective corners. SWEAT as its name suggests, is actually the resort's gym. It is open 24 hours. Just like their spa. I love anything that opens 24 hours - especially gyms and spas. It means that we can always come back at any hour after being thoroughly intoxicated and stuffed with amazing feasts  to burn out the calories. And afterwards, we can get detoxified at the spa! HAHA

AWAY SPA'S ENTRANCE

Anything that has the words, "WHAT'S YOUR WISH" engraved into the entrance will definitely catch my attention for about a good 2 minutes, at least. I have decided to leave this area un-photographed because I do not think the decor is anything to shout about. It is modern, minimal and chic. But they do put a lot of effort in the little touches. The path into the spa area is flanked by waters. In these ponds, you'll find some coloured pebbles thrown into the midst. Some have words such as "laugh", "live", "love", "relax" and etc. It is indeed a cute, lovely touch.

Outside in the porte cochere, you'll find bikes to rent during your stay in the resort. However, these little purple babies below are not for rent. They are strictly for the staff, which W Bali refers to as their "Talent". But they did allow me to take a pic though ;)

Purple Scooters, anyone?

I adore scooters. And purple ones are just too adorable for words!

I suppose it would be hard to kidnap one of them into the trunk of my van and pack it home.

In any case, I trotted off to the lounge area and found a day bed with my name on it. Just in time for the sun to set.

Today was indeed a wonderfully relaxing day. They even put on the fire to enhance the sunset scene. How picturesque! 

The W BALI SUNSET (as taken from my day bed)

Well, everything wonderful (or bad, for that matter) must come to an end.

It's all temporary.

We all enjoy it while we can.

Even this lovely day, filled with delicious breeze and sunshine, has come to an end.

And soon, my stay at the W BALI will also fade into a memory.

Tomorrow, I shall be checking out and moving into a friend's personal villa in Sanur.
My Bali adventure will continue until 26th December and then, after which, I shall be heading to Hong Kong.

Impermanence is our way of life.

Experiencing the WOW Factor at W BALI - Part One

WOW has a new standard, ladies and gentlemen...

Time: 10:47pm

Place: W Bali Retreat & Spa, Seminyak

Choice of slumber: Pool Villa

W Bali Retreat and Spa in Seminyak is a new "resort player" in the island of Gods. And as they say, the Gods are in the details. I must say that is what W Bali did very well. Small little touches here and there, and when we add them all together, we get a perfect blend of under-stated contemporary chic.

For starters, I love the theme colours of the villa - soft green, with splashes of purple against the backdrop of beige and cream. Now, I am so inspired...I may seriously consider adding green to my own home interiors when I get back.

It is definitely generously spaced and well designed. But then again, I have always thought that all Ws have an intelligent sense of spatial usage and design. The only bummer is that some of the fixtures they installed may not work as well as we, the tempo residents, would prefer. Most of the fixtures are obviously chosen because they look so darn good just sitting there. Sometimes form precedes function.

Back to W Bali...

All guests are segregated upon check-in.
Those who stay in rooms or suites check-in at the main hotel lobby.
While those who stay in the villas have a "special dedicated" check-in area.
Believe me when I say that there is nothing absolutely that fancy about being ushered into the "special dedicated" villa check-in area. It's not like they offered me any welcome drink or cold towel like they did in W Resort in Koh Samui. Perhaps W Bali learnt that I got very special promo rates for my villa and so, I get no added 'perks'. May be. haha

In any case, I was very much soothed when I arrived at my villa. Yes, like W Koh Samui, we get driven to our villas by the buggy. And guess what? My villa no. is the same my age, considering that my birthday just passed! Time to buy me some lottery tickets! :)

Now, allow me to welcome you into the W Bali's One Bedroom Pool Villa...

The Villa Entrance

I truly appreciate the pebbled stoned pathway and the mature flowering trees that greet an entrance. They add such warmth to the space.

The Bale or Pavilion

Upon entering the villa, on your left, you'll see your personal bale. In another words, your very own chill-out pavilion. It's all decked out with moroccan-like glass lamps, creatively designed cushions and pillows, and even an electric fan to cool you down on hot summer days. The bale or pavilion comes with drapes which you can close off for more personal privacy. But this being your very own pool villa, it is as private as you can get. One can even sun tan in the buff here!














I thoroughly enjoyed lounging out in the bale, reading and sipping a nice cool drink.

The Bale

And in the evening, you can even light a mosquito incense in that green porcelain canister. Notice the green snake like cushions behind the throw cushions? How's that for added creativity? But what really impressed me were the little details they put in - like the beaded tie-backs for the drapes in the bale.

The Divine Details

Small touches and little details do make the BIGGEST difference in every living space and even in personal appearances. This is how we distinguish style, class and elegance from the mindless masses who just follow what the trend-setters have done and paraded last season.


Now, onto my very favourite part of every living space...

Can you guess what it is?

It is the first place I check every time I enter a restaurant or hotel room or a villa. In fact, this is the space that I am most anal about.

BATHROOM!

Yes, I am beyond anal about bathrooms!

Bathrooms are very important to me and so, how they are presented, designed and decorated are all very precious to me.

Yes, I am sure many are surprised that the bathrooms precede the bedroom areas with me. The place of soul-searching soothing and relaxation, even pampering happens in the bathroom. Never the bedroom. The bedroom is reserved for more "acrobatic" and vigorous activities, apart from sleeping.  Hence, the bathroom is the temple of the house - for me, that is. And thankfully, W Bali's bathroom in the villa is all decked out in terrazzo. Another of my fave ingredient for bathroom design essentials! ;)

A BATH WITH A VIEW

Nothing beats a bath with a view!
Imagine having a nice warm bath to cleanse away a tiring day. Add essential oils, candles, your favourite music and something extra like a glass of champagne or wine for added personal pampering! Soon, you'll agree with me that one's bathroom is truly one's personal temple. Perhaps, one of the spaces that you can truly have all to yourself these days - especially, if you are married with kids. Know what I mean?

Little Touches that enhance a bath

I love the small additions that they have added to the bath at W Bali. They have used an old oar as the bath tray. And even threw in the pet toys. Obviously, they wanted to be different than Koh Samui which gave black rubber duckies. Here, they gave the bath a family of froggies and some bath salts. The purple container you see here is filled with candles. How thoughtful! They must have heard about my bath rituals ;p

The colourful acrylic cards are NOT menus for the bath, but for BBQ. Odd, very odd, I know. Haven't quite figured that one out yet....what were they thinking?????

Send in the Back Up!

The above is too cute to go un-noticed by me!
Pretty lilac fabric bag to hold the extra toilet roll. Now, that's what I call a classy back up plan! Hehe

The WASH area

Pretty Decor for the Toilet

I told you that they were BIG on small details!
Who would have thought to put any decor pieces in the toilet? Most villas leave that area without any decorative items.
Personally, I truly appreciate the two toned ottoman seats. Well, I just value anything that enhances the bathroom and its usage.
At W Bali, they provide you with ample toiletries. You wouldn't even need to pack your own, apart from your beauty products, that is.
Everyone loves their Lemon & Sage Collection - from Shampoo, Conditioner, Shower Gel, Soaps to Body Butter. They are not stingy in providing you with them. And they come in big bottles, unlike the tiny replicas we find in most hotels. Here, they gladly refill for you every day. I guess that also explains why they charge so much for a villa.

The Study Area

Now, this is where I am at now....in my jammies, typing away. I love it that they installed electronically controlled blinds. And all windows have a view! Here, we have the iron cast glass windows that looks at the pretty wall of orchids. Well, some have yet to blossom. But that's all right. Even as it is, it is rather Zen.

Tomorrow, I shall have more to share. Believe it or not, I have not seen the rest of the resort as yet. I arrived very late today. I didn't want to do the morning rush and take the first flight out here. So, I only managed to check in at around 5pm. Traffic is very bad in Bali these days. Especially with the rain.

Hence, I stayed in and made full use of a magic button called, "Whenever/Whatever".

I suggest that you fully and thoroughly utilise this button. After all, it was all accounted for in the rate of your villa.

I had them provide me with whatever I most preferred. Extra lotion, for one. Ya, I had put on some weight since the Japan trip. I need more coverage now. Don't even ask how much! Growl, Snarl, Hiss, Sob! Sob! Sob!

Also, I had them change all my tea selection to just the way I like it - only green tea. So, please feel free to use that button as they aim to fulfill your every wish.

So, I stayed in and ordered in. The in-villa dining was not bad at all. Had the Wagyu Beef Burger with an extra side of steam veggies. Well, that balances off things for me. For tonight anyways.

So, for now, I bid you all a very good night and the sweetest dreams. Tomorrow, there shall be more stories. THE W BED beckons with its furry pillows....

Le Bed

Selamat Malam - as they say in Indonesian.